The holidays are not the only time to throw an office party. Whether it is a retirement party for a long-time colleague or a party to meet and schmooze with corporate company, knowing the ropes garners kudos. If you are not sure whether to hire an event planner, throw a do-it-yourself affair or plan a catered event, read on. The following tips will help you decide where to begin and how to throw a party with panache. From budget to food, make the next bash the best office party yet.

PreplanningDepending on the event, a committee may need to be chosen to plan and bring the office party to fruition. If you happen to be the assistant to the boss, however, you may find yourself solely responsible for all the details of a party. Start by using office-party etiquette to get some input as to what kind of party employees prefer.

Is an employee-only party the way to go, or should each employee be allowed to invite a guest? Will the event include the entire family or just couples? Go with the prevailing winds of majority preference.

While planning, however, keep in mind at all times that the event is an extension of the office. Although an office party offers a lighter atmosphere of camaraderie, do not cross over the boundaries of inappropriate behavior. Remember, this is still business and not a personal party in your home.

Office Party IdeasA party, no matter what time of year or the size of the business, is a way for management to acknowledge and reward hard work, and the more creative, the more rewarding.

Although the budget for an office party or event depends on the size of the organization, and a smaller enterprise may not have the budget for a large catered event, creativity can still be found in the details.

Search for unique venues that offer more than just a party experience. A zoo with a large banquet room hosts a multitude of opportunities for themes. An example might be “Go Wild with XYZ Company.” The food and décor can build on the theme.

Check with a large aquarium nearby to see if they allow parties after hours. Staging an office party surrounded by flashes of color cruising through water makes a relaxing backdrop to what sometimes tends to be a stiffer gathering.

Another idea is to host an office party on a harbor tour boat or yacht. But boats and yachts have occupancy requirements, so make certain there is enough room to accommodate guests in comfort.

Nothing is more unique than a museum, where you will find the grace and beauty of fine art. An office party held in such an elegant venue requires upscale details. Expect to have the event catered and possibly hire the services of an event planner.

A local park with a gazebo or sheltered areas presents a summer office party that goes beyond the simple picnic. A barbecue with all the trimmings can accommodate fun corporate events such as an old-fashioned three-legged race or sack races. Set up a volleyball net for team sports that require employees to work together.

Office Party FoodThe food served at an office party should follow the theme.

A carry-in potluck for a lunch office party differs from a formal event in a banquet room or hall at an upscale hotel. The beverages served should correlate with the event. Serving alcohol at a lunchtime potluck is not appropriate; however, serving wine at an elegant office party in an art museum is a suitable choice.

Keep in mind that whenever alcohol is served at a party, the hostess and/or host should plan alternative transportation for tipsy guests. Companies that hold an office party in a hotel banquet room may decide to reserve a block of rooms for those wishing to spend the night rather than drive.

Finding a caterer may be the best decision you can make for the office party. While you could open the telephone book and hire the first caterer on the list, the better way is to talk with those who have used various local caterers. When an event planner or caterer comes to you through word of mouth, you can rest easy that the expectations you have will be met.

A caterer who comes with a glowing recommendation should be the first choice, but if you do not know anyone who has hired a caterer recently, use the checklist below to get the right one for your office party. Be prepared with a budget for food and beverages.

*Call the manager of the venue where the party will be held: Do they have a list of recommended caterers?

*Ask the caterer how food is prepared: Is everything made from scratch or does it come from prepackaged foods?*Peruse the caterer’s portfolio with a discerning eye: How does the photographed food look? Does it look mouth-watering? Is it presented in a unique way? *Ask for references and previous customers’ telephone numbers so you can call and ask opinions.

Once the caterer is found, be prepared to state clearly the goals and expectations. Ask lots of questions and expect to be asked questions in turn. Knowing exactly what kind of event and how it must be handled reaps the satisfaction of knowing the office party will go on without last-minute problems.

Office Party GamesWhy play games at an office party? One reason is to liven up what can become a sometimes dull or uncomfortable event. Although called a party, an office party is not the same as a soiree held in the home. Business protocol and etiquette are still expected, with partiers using proper decorum. The best way to approach an office party is to see it as another way to shine in front of your peers and superiors. Although talking business is not the way to shine. Be poised and approachable, but most of all mingle. This is your opportunity to get to know people from other departments, management and executive types not often seen in the office.

Office-party games present an even playing field that allows interaction even for the shyest in the group.

Games that can be successfully played depend on the number of people at the gathering. A large group may do better with ice-breaking introductions. An ice-breaker that gets everyone mingling involves finding someone at the party you do not know. Each person shares personal information for five minutes. After the five minutes is up, each person introduces the other to the entire group, using the information just learned. Another ice-breaker requires a questionnaire that is handed out as each guest arrives. Possible questions on the sheet might be: Who has the most pets? Who drives the newest car? Who drives the oldest car? Who has the most children? Who is a newlywed? Partiers must answer the questions to the best of their ability. When each question is read, the person or people who think they drive the oldest car stand and answer the question. Everyone learns a little about their co-workers.

Playing musical chairs as a kid always got a party off the ground, so why not give it a whirl as an adult? As long as there is plenty of room, the childhood game turned adult may animate a dull party.

The “transfer” game creates camaraderie through competition. Teams are formed, and an object is passed from one person to the next. Tuck a cotton ball, orange, apple, or nerf ball under the chin and, without using hands, transfer the item to the next person. Each time the object is dropped, the transfer starts all over.

The first team to transfer the item from person to person without dropping it wins. Hand out silly prizes to winners of games. Raffle off door prizes as a way to end the party.

Each employee should know how to behave at the party. Inform employees of the proper attire. An evening party in a local aquarium may be casual or formal, depending on the theme, but do not assume everyone knows what to expect. An office party should be less casual than a party at home, but it need not be a stuffy affair that employees dread.

What Kind of Hostess Are You? Unforgettable parties begin and end with a good hostess that welcomes each and every guest with open arms. The hostess of all hostesses provides an inviting atmosphere filled with mood, food, beverages and entertainment. Are you a good hostess? Take the party hostess quiz to discover just what kind of hostess you really are.